Breathing Disorders

Help for Snoring & Sleep Apnea in Athens & Tyler

Sleep-related breathing disorders include some of the most frightening and potentially life-threating conditions you or a loved one can experience. Snoring is an extremely common and treatable breathing disorder. Loud snoring is often a symptom of sleep apnea.

People with obstructive sleep apnea or central sleep apnea stop breathing while they sleep – as often as hundreds of times each night! Just imagine what the lack of oxygen does to your heart, lungs, brain and other vital organs. Sleep apnea can be deadly when it causes a heart attack, congestive heart failure, stroke or hypertension (high blood pressure).

Snoring is a result of your airway partially closing. As your body forces air through the narrowed airway, the tissues lining your airway vibrate and you snore. Loud snoring is the first indication of the potentially life-threatening disorder known as obstructive sleep apnea. In obstructive sleep apnea, the narrowing of the airway is so great that it becomes difficult or impossible to breathe. The brain realizes that there is a problem and partially awakens to open the throat. As soon as breathing is re-established and sleep resumes, the airway narrows again and the brain is aroused from sleep again. This cycle repeats over and over, and you awaken feeling tired and foggy for a good part of your day.

Dr. Ronald Cates will find the cause of your sleep apnea and provide potentially life-saving sleep apnea treatment to help you sleep well and live a better quality of life.

When you need a compassionate doctor who will take the time to help you overcome a breathing disorder, call Ronald Cates, MD, at 903.675.1717. Or use our convenient online Request an Appointment form to reserve your first visit.

Restless Leg Syndrome

Nighttime Sleep Disorders

Almost 40% of all children will sleepwalk at some time, with peak occurrence between 3 and 7 years. Sleep walking often runs in families and most children outgrow it by adolescence. Sleepwalking can also be associated with night terrors.